Benefits of Olive Oil and How to Get Yours

You've probably heard about the health benefits of olive oil and wondered what the big deal is all about. Doctors recommend that Americans, most of whom consume a considerable amount of fat or oil as part of their daily diet, switch to heart-healthier olive oils. It's gaining popularity, but what makes olive oil so much better than animal fat or vegetable oil? It has the same number of calories as the other fats, and yet olive oil is touted as a good fat. How can this be?

Olive oil is good for the body in many ways. Because olive oil is high in Omega-3 fatty acids-which are credited with supporting the immune system, acting as natural anti-inflammation agents and assisting the body in hormone production and regulation-olive oil is hailed as a positive fat. Olive oil is also a mono-saturated fat, which means it contains antioxidants, vitamin E and polyphenol antioxidants, all of which fight cancer and promote healthy elasticity of the arterial walls.

Doctors suggest you replace as much saturated fat with olive oil as is possible. Even two tablespoons a day of olive oil can affect your cholesterol level and level of antioxidants in your blood. Because olive oil is high in calories, you will not want to add olive oil to your diet without subtracting another fat from your diet. You don't want to eat more fat, just substitute the good fat for the bad fat in your diet.

How can you do this? Simply switch out olive oil for other fat sources as often as possible. Instead of serving butter on your bread, serve a little plate of olive oil with freshly ground black pepper in it. Instead of frying chicken in vegetable oil, fry it in olive oil. Instead of sautéing vegetables in vegetable oil, use olive oil. Look for ways to substitute without affecting the taste of the food served.